Matthew 20 - Workers in the Vineyard.

 

Matthew 20 – Workers in the Vineyard.

 

The parable is not about salvation, for we cannot work for salvation; nor is it about rewards, for we do not all receive the same reward. The story concerns the selfish attitude in Peter’s question. The key to the parable is that the first workers hired demanded a contract and insisted on knowing how much they would get. The other workers trusted the landowner. If you ask God for a contract, you will only rob yourself, for He is generous with His workers. Be faithful to do your job and avoid watching the other workers, and He will deal with you generously. The workers hired first represent Israel, the recipients of God’s promises (Rom. 3:1,2). Those hired last, represent the Gentiles, who were offered the same salvation available to the Jews through faith in Christ (Eph. 2:13-15).

 

Salome remembered His promise and claimed it for her two sons, James and John. But she forgot what Jesus had just said about the cross. She should have known that the only way to glory is through suffering (I Pet. 5:10). You do not pray for a throne; you pay for it. Beware selfish prayers: the Lord may answer them. James was the first apostle to be martyred (Acts 12:1-2), and John experienced a great trial as a Roman prisoner (Rev. 1:9). They were the brothers that were named “Sons of thunder”.

 

Jesus said, “true leaders go out of their way to serve others (Luke 22:25-27). Jesus sought to serve (John 13:14). He humbled Himself to the very limit by willingly handing over His life as a sacrifice for the sins of the world (Phil. 2:5-8).

 

They knew what they wanted, and they trusted Him for it. Do you know what you want when you come to Him in prayer? Do you persist even if others try to discourage you? What a promise we have in Hebrews 4:16!

 

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